Halloween Jalapeño Popper Mummies
Halloween Jalapeño Popper Mummies are a fun and festive twist on a classic party snack. These little mummies are made by wrapping spicy jalapeño poppers in strips of flaky pastry…
By Fatima
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Reading time: 6 min
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Halloween Jalapeño Popper Mummies are a fun and festive twist on a classic party snack. These little mummies are made by wrapping spicy jalapeño poppers in strips of flaky pastry to look like wrapped-up mummies, with little eyes peeking out. They’re the perfect mix of creamy cheese, a bit of heat, and crispy, golden-brown dough—all dressed up for Halloween.
I love making these mummies because they’re not only tasty but also bring a playful spirit to the table. Wrapping the poppers feels like crafting tiny Halloween costumes, and I get such a kick out of adding those cute little eyes with dots of sour cream or olives. It’s a simple way to impress friends and family without spending hours in the kitchen.
These popper mummies are great as an appetizer at any Halloween party or just for a cozy night watching spooky movies. I like to serve them with a creamy ranch or cool sour cream dip to balance out the spicy jalapeños. They’re always gone quick, and everyone asks me to make more, so be sure to have plenty ready!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Jalapeños
- Fresh jalapeños add a spicy kick. If you want less heat, remove all seeds and membranes or swap for mini sweet peppers. For extra fiery snacks, leave some seeds in.
- Cream Cheese & Cheddar
- These cheeses create the creamy, cheesy filling. You can use pepper jack for a bit more spice or mozzarella for a milder taste. Just make sure the cream cheese is soft for easy mixing.
- Bacon
- Bacon brings smoky flavor and crunch. To keep it vegetarian, try smoked paprika or diced roasted mushrooms instead—they add depth without meat.
- Puff Pastry
- Puff pastry gives the golden, flaky "mummy wrap" effect. If you’re in a hurry, crescent roll dough works well too but be gentle to avoid tearing the dough.
- Edible Eyes
- Candy eyes are fun and easy, but if you don’t have them, use tiny sour cream dots with a small dab of black food coloring or olives cut into tiny circles.
How Do You Wrap Jalapeño Poppers Like Mummies Without Tearing the Pastry?
Wrapping the pastry strips around the jalapeños to look like mummies takes a gentle touch. Here’s how to make it easy and neat:
- Roll out your puff pastry on a floured surface to prevent sticking.
- Cut thin strips about ½ inch wide to look like mummy bandages.
- Wrap loosely around the jalapeño halves, leaving small openings for the eyes. Tight wrapping can cause dough to tear or not puff properly.
- Overlap strips slightly but don’t use too many layers—this helps them bake evenly and get crispy.
- Brush the pastry with beaten egg before baking to get that beautiful golden color.
Take your time wrapping and enjoy making each mummy unique with different patterns. It’s part of the fun and makes them look extra cute for Halloween!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – gives you a flat surface for even baking and easy cleanup with parchment paper.
- Parchment paper – prevents the jalapeños from sticking and helps with quick cleanup.
- Mixing bowl – perfect for combining cream cheese, cheddar, bacon, and spices smoothly.
- Sharp knife – for slicing jalapeños and cutting puff pastry strips precisely.
- Pastry brush – helps you evenly brush the egg wash for a golden, shiny finish.
- Measuring spoons – to measure garlic powder, salt, and pepper accurately.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap bacon for cooked chorizo or sausage for a spicier, meaty filling that adds depth.
- Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for an extra kick of heat and flavor.
- Add chopped green onions or fresh cilantro to the cheese mix for a fresh, bright note.
- For a vegetarian option, skip bacon and add roasted corn or black beans for a tasty twist.
Halloween Jalapeño Popper Mummies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 8 large fresh jalapeño peppers
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Edible candy eyes or small dots of sour cream/cream cheese with black food coloring (for mummy eyes)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, including cleaning and cutting jalapeños, mixing the filling, and wrapping the poppers. Baking time is approximately 15-20 minutes, and a few minutes for assembling the eyes after baking. Overall, expect around 30-35 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Jalapeños:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Then carefully cut each jalapeño pepper in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to remove all the seeds and membranes to take away some heat but keep the stem to give that authentic mummy look.
2. Make the Cheese Filling:
In a medium-size bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, crumbled bacon, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and well blended, ready to fill your jalapeños.
3. Stuff and Wrap the Jalapeños:
Fill each jalapeño half generously with your cheese and bacon mix. Roll out your thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface, then cut it into thin strips about half an inch wide. Wrap these strips around each stuffed jalapeño in a crisscross “mummy” pattern, leaving gaps for the eyes and some green to peek through.
4. Bake and Add the Eyes:
Arrange the wrapped jalapeño mummies on your prepared baking sheet. Brush them with the beaten egg for a nice golden color. Bake them in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown. Right after removing them from the oven, place two edible candy eyes (or carefully add small sour cream or cream cheese dots with black food coloring) into the open gaps to create the mummy’s eyes. Allow them to cool slightly before serving.
Can I Use Frozen Jalapeños for This Recipe?
It’s best to use fresh jalapeños because frozen ones can release extra moisture, making the pastry soggy. If you only have frozen, make sure to thaw and pat them dry thoroughly before stuffing and wrapping.
Can I Make These Jalapeño Poppers Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the mummies a few hours ahead and keep them refrigerated on the baking sheet covered with plastic wrap. Just add the eyes and bake right before serving for the best texture.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover mummies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or until warmed through to keep the pastry crispy.
What Can I Use Instead of Bacon?
If you prefer a vegetarian option or don’t have bacon, try adding smoked paprika or chopped, sautéed mushrooms to the cheese filling for a smoky flavor without the meat.